Developing a new MRI contrast agent to improve prostate cancer diagnosis
Official title: Commercialization of an MRI contrast agent for differential diagnosis of prostate cancer
Funded at Molecular Theranostics, LLC · NIH-10704488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new MRI contrast agent that helps doctors tell the difference between aggressive and less serious prostate cancer, so patients can get the right treatment without unnecessary procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Molecular Theranostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beachwood, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA265626-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10704488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are at risk of having high-grade tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with benign prostate conditions or those with very low-risk prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel MRI contrast agent designed to enhance the differentiation between high-risk and low-risk prostate cancer. By targeting specific oncoproteins associated with aggressive cancer characteristics, the study aims to provide a more accurate imaging tool that can help physicians make better treatment decisions. Patients will benefit from a non-invasive method that could reduce unnecessary treatments for those with low-risk cancer. The approach involves optimizing and commercializing the contrast agent MT218 for improved early detection and localization of prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of prostate cancer, allowing for tailored treatment plans that spare patients from unnecessary aggressive therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted imaging agents for cancer diagnosis, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Molecular Theranostics, LLC
Beachwood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Songqi — Molecular Theranostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Gao, Songqi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.